Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel speak out about Charlie Kirk killing: 'Political violence only leads to more political violence'
Share and Follow


(The Hill) Late-night TV hosts Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel are among those decrying the killing of Charlie Kirk and condemning political violence.

“After our scripts for tonight’s show were finished this afternoon, we here at ‘The Late Show’ learned that Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing activist, was killed in a speaking engagement in Utah,” Colbert said in a pre-taped message played at the beginning of Wednesday’s “Late Show” on CBS.

Offering condolences to Kirk’s family, Colbert said, “I’m old enough to personally remember the political violence of the 1960s and I hope it is obvious to everyone in America that political violence does not solve any of our political differences.”

“Political violence only leads to more political violence,” Colbert, 61, said. 

“And I pray with all my heart that this is the aberrant action of a madman and not a sign of things to come,” the comedian said.

Kimmel also spoke out after Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on the campus of Utah Valley University while speaking at a Wednesday event. 

“Instead of angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human,” the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” host wrote in a social media post.

“On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence,” Kimmel, 57, said. 

Colbert and Kimmel are two of late-night TV’s fiercest critics of President Trump. Kimmel has also been outspoken in the past about gun violence, tearing up on his ABC show in 2018 while calling for action following a fatal mass shooting at a Florida high school. 

In remarks Wednesday, Trump described Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom” and vowed to “find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Republican Illinois governor candidate Darren Bailey speaks out after Montana helicopter crash kills family members

Illinois GOP Gubernatorial Hopeful Darren Bailey Addresses Tragic Loss of Family in Montana Helicopter Crash

CHICAGO (WLS) — Darren Bailey, the Republican candidate for governor, has shared…
Exclusive | New York socialite snags Manalapan, Florida, mansion for $21 million

New York Socialite Acquires Lavish $21 Million Mansion in Manalapan, Florida

Prominent New York socialite and author Jean Shafiroff, along with her husband,…
ICE erupts after New York releases 7,000 criminal migrants

ICE Reacts Strongly to New York’s Release of 7,000 Individuals with Criminal Records

Nearly 7,000 undocumented immigrants with criminal records have been released onto the…
Suspect in Putnam County Dollar General stabbing indicted for first-degree murder

Putnam County Dollar General Stabbing Suspect Indicted on First-Degree Murder Charges

A grand jury convened to examine the case involving Lemar Beasley, accused…
Alec Baldwin's wife Hilaria steals the spotlight at Gotham Film Awards

Hilaria Baldwin Captivates Audience at Gotham Film Awards

Hilaria Baldwin made a memorable entrance at the Gotham Awards in New…
Scott Jennings offers to apologize to Catherine Zeta-Jones

Scott Jennings Extends Apology to Catherine Zeta-Jones: A Surprising Turn in Hollywood Relations

In a recent turn of events, CNN commentator Scott Jennings found himself…
Judge orders in-person mental evaluation for man charged with killing Alabama police officer

Alabama Court Mandates In-Person Mental Health Assessment for Suspect in Police Officer’s Murder Case

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — A judge in Madison County has mandated a…
'Trump Accounts': How to claim one for your child as program gets $6.25 billion boost

Trump Accounts’ Initiative Secures $6.25 Billion Funding: Steps to Secure an Account for Your Child

On Tuesday, Michael and Susan Dell made an unprecedented contribution of $6.25…